Beautiful Baby Blankets December 16, 2008

When one thinks of a baby blanket, it is likely the next thought is of Linus, the Peanuts comic strip character who was always attached to his blue blanket. A good blanket garners that kind of devotion and what better new baby gift than something that offers such comfort. Sometimes it is good to have another blanket or two for the stroller or car that is not “the blanket”. There are many blankets on the market today, but hand-crafted just seems to suit the purpose better in my mind, so here are a few from Etsy…

Though not necessarily geared toward baby, Urban Outfitters has a blanket modeled after Linus van Pelt’s very own blanket. The Linus Blanket is now on sale for $14.99.

Love sock monkeys? Bam Designs has the blanket for you in addition to a selection of lively (dare I say goofy) blankets, $9 to $30 (shown below).

Flannel Swaddling/Receiving Blankets are available for $12 each from Emma’s Little Creations. There is an absolutely adorable Christmas one available as well as other fun patterns. Can also be purchased as an $18 set with a burp cloth and both may be personalized with the infant’s name embroidered (shown below).

Baffin Bags has baby sets as well as a beautiful Baby Blanket Quilt, $35, made with Amy Butler fabrics (shown below).

Whynott Sewn has a wide assortment of bright and cheerful blankets perfectly sized for babies or toddlers priced at $35 each. So many amazing colors and patterns, it is hard to choose just one (shown below).

Sweet Ginger Designs has blankies for $46 each in sweet sorbet hues and soft cozy fabrics.

Customized Quilts are a speciality of Mom N Mia Quilts and one can be purchased with your colors of choice and initial (or name) starting at $54.95. It can also be ordered in toddler or twin bed sizes, so may be ideal encouragement for a child when getting their first big kid bed (shown below).

Mary Grace Designs has classic baby blankets in soothing colors for $60 each. This alone would be a very thoughtful new baby gift.

This blog also has many other posts featuring lovely Gifts for Baby as well as one all aboutBaby Blankets. as well as many posts featuring blankets for baby, kid, or kid at-heart.

Baby Blankets from Baffin Bags, Whynott Sewn, Mom N Mia Quilts, Bam Designs, and Emma's Little Creations.

Gifts for Cat & Dog Lovers December 16, 2008

There are those who like cats and dogs perhaps even owning one — and those who love them… These items are ideal for the latter.

This tea set is the cat’s meow. Made for a moment of solitude the Catitude Tea for One Set is available in blue or cream from the English Tea Store for $20 and includes a stacked 14-ounce teapot with lid, 8-ounce teacup, and saucer.

Any dog owner knows treats are not only handy, but appreciated by a pup. Pup Snacks Cookbook ($10.85) & Baking Pan ($24.95) helps you create yummy goodies for your dog in your own kitchen.

Get them started early by dressing them in dog-loving designs from Wag The Dog Pets Shop. This is my very own design sold through CafePress inspired by a pet care company in Maryland.

Cat-lovers who also love bright colors will appreciate something designed by Laurel Burch.

For the dog-lover with kids, it is a must to have the Good Dog, Carl series by Alexandra Day. Carl even has his own website!

For a very thoughtful gift for a truly devoted pet owner, what’s better than a Custom Pet Portrait. One artist who creates custom pet and people portraits is Xin Studio (example shown below).Etsy has many artists who create such pieces, including SRHarris, Dragonfly Designs, Everyday Pants, Kat4526, and Weaselle. They are not as expensive as you’d imagine and are a lasting and thoughtful gift.

Example of a Custom Pet Portrait from XinStudio